The Champaign Room · Dec 24, 2020
Illini overcome dreadful start, top Penn State 98-81
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports Better late then never for the Illini.
Three days after losing by three points to now-No. 11 Rutgers, Illinois found itself down by as many as 15 points early in the first half against Penn State. But the No. 18 team in the country overcame the adversity this time on the road, topping Penn State 98-81 Wednesday night in Happy Valley.
The Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-2 Big Ten) had no answer for Kofi Cockburn all game long. The sophomore was virtually unguardable, scoring 23 points on 11-of-13 shooting.